ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
International Summit on Women in STEM–“Visualizing the Future: New Skylines”
The Department of Biotechnology organized an International Summit on Women in STEM–“Visualizing the Future: New Skylines” on 23rd and 24thJanuary, 2020 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The Summit was organizedwith the overall aim to boost the participation of women in STEM field for development of scientific career.
During the summit, different sessions of the summit included mechanisms of leadership building, empowering womenthrough networking, career opportunities and interactive exercises with scientists. The aim was toshowcase women in STEM successes as real-world examples of successful women scientists, doctors andengineers demonstrating the excitement of being in the STEM fields as well as the rewards associatedwith it.
Discussions and interactive sessions between aspiring young, mid-career and senior scientists inthe STEM field were held to understanding the future requirements of women’s employment and careerprogression. Keynote speakers were renowned women scientists in STEM from different countries, youngas well as established women scientists, science communicators and entrepreneurs from India.
Around 350 participants from different STEM field across the globe participated in the event includingscientists, socialists, entrepreneurs, researchers, teachers and students. Posters were presented by womenscientists and students.
The summit provided a good platform for young students and researchers to interact and networkwith leaders in the field, to develop ideas and generate a future action plan for making career in STEMfields.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
MSME Tool Room CITD, Hyderabad bags Patent for “Anaar”  making Machine
Another step towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Industrial Safety
The MSME Tool Room, Hyderabad,Central Institute of Tool Design  has obtained a patent for the invention entitled "AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CONICAL SHAPED FIREWORKS" for 20 years from the 10th November,2015.
Central Institute of Tool Design signed an MOU with M/s. Standard Fireworks Pvt. Ltd.,, Sivakasi and finalized orders worth Rs11.49 crorefor machines for automation processes for various firework projects.SFPL initially had placed an order worth Rs300 lakh for filling up of flower pots and packing, chakkar filling and chakkar winding. As a first project, CITD has taken up for Module-1 . The total project consists of 10 different stations like paper cutting & pasting, chemical filling, washer insertion &ramming, mud filling & sealing etc.
The aim of project is to automate the entire above process for relieving human fatigue and to save human from hazardous environment. The entire process is minimal human intervention. Hence, it is safe for humans to handle the machine in Fireworks Industry.
This is the first of its kind with fully indigenous technology. CITD and SFPL had filed a joint patent application for this innovation.The uniqueness of machine is that it completely works on pneumatic system for entire process of manufacturing. There is no electrical or electronics system used in process. Therefore, this can avoid most of the fire accidents in field of fireworks industries. Trials were conducted by customer with original chemical in flowerpots and attaining the target production cones of 120 pieces per minute.
The Manual Process of Flowerpot making  is shown below :
FLOWERPOT AUTOMATION 
The photograph of the Machine is given below
CITD is a Govt. of India organisation working under the administrative control of Ministry of MSME. It was established in the year 1968 and is a pioneering institution in training technical personnel in the field of Tool Design, CAD/CAM, Low Cost Automation etc. The Institute is conducting training courses right from Diploma level to Post Graduation.
Prime Minister's Office
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras are game-changer for economy and farmer welfare: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared an article by Union Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya about importance of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendra .
Retweeting a tweet by Union Minister for Chemical and Fertilisers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted;
“केंद्रीय मंत्री श्री @mansukhmandviya लिखते हैं कि पीएम-किसान समृद्धि केंद्र, किसानों को सशक्त बनाने और देश की अर्थव्यवस्था की रीढ़ को मजबूत करने में गेमचेंजर साबित हो रहे हैं।”
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Old Dams
Central Water Commission maintains a database of large dams in the National Register of Large Dams . As per NRLD 2019, total number of large dams in the country is 5,745 out of which, 5,334 dams are completed and 411 dams are under construction. State/UT-wise list of large dams as per NRLD 2019 is given at Annexure.
As per NRLD 2019, there are 1,157 number of operational large dams in the country which are between 50 to 150 years old. However, no such dam has been reported by the State Governments or other dam owners to be in obsolete condition or in a condition which may threaten water scarcity. The life of a dam is normally till such time it performs its intended functions without jeopardizing the safety of people living in its vicinity.
In order to improve the safety and operational performance of select existing dams in the country, Government of India is implementing the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project  with external funding. Under the World Bank funded DRIP Phase-I programme, which was implemented during April 2012 to March 2021, 223 existing dams located in 7 States have been comprehensively audited and rehabilitated at a cost of Rs. 2,567 crore.
After completion of DRIP Phase- I programme, Government of India has now taken up DRIP Phase-II & III. The scheme envisages rehabilitation and safety improvement of 736 dams located in 19 States, with a budget outlay of Rs 10,211 crore. The scheme is of 10 years duration. DRIP Phase-II has become operational from 12th October 2021, and is being co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank.
Further, Union Government has recently enacted the Dam Safety Act, 2021 for proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of the specified dams for prevention of dam failure related disasters. As per this Act, dam owners have to earmark sufficient and specific funds for maintenance and repairs of the specified dam and are required to undertake dam safety related inspections and activities as per the schedule prescribed in the Act.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2021-22  – Issue Price
In terms of the Government of India Notification No.4-B/2021 dated May 12, 2021, Sovereign Gold Bonds 2021-22  will be opened for the period May 24-28, 2021 with Settlement date June 01, 2021. The issue price of the Bond during the subscription period shall be Rs 4,842  – per gram, as also published by RBI in their Press Release dated May 21, 2021.
The Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow discount of Rs 50  per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online and the payment is made through digital mode. For such investors the issue price of Gold Bond will be Rs 4,792  per gram of gold.
Ministry of Finance
Quarterly Report on Public Debt Management for the quarter ended December 2022
Since Apr-June  2010-11, Public Debt Management Cell , Budget Division, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance has been bringing out a quarterly report on debt management on a regular basis. The current report pertains to the quarter October-December .
During Q3 of FY23, the Central Government raised an amount worth Rs 3,51,000 crore through dated securities, as against notified amount of Rs 3,18,000 crore in the borrowing calendar . During the quarter an amount of Rs 85, 377.9 crore due for redemption was repaid on maturity date. Weighted average yield of primary issuances hardened to 7.38 per cent in Q3 FY23 from 7.33 per cent in Q2 of FY23. The weighted average maturity of new issuances of dated securities elongated to 16.56 years in Q3 of FY23 as compared to 15.62 years in Q2 of FY23. During October- December 2022, the Central Government did not raise any amount through the Cash Management Bills. The Reserve Bank did not conduct Open Market operations for government securities during the quarter. The net daily average liquidity absorption by RBI under Liquidity Adjustment Facility  including Marginal Standing Facility and Special Liquidity Facility was at Rs 39,604 crore during the quarter.
Total gross liabilities  of the Government, as per provisional data, increased marginally to Rs 1,50,95,970.8 crore at end-December 2022 from Rs 1,47,19,572.2 crore at end- September 2022. This represented a quarter-on-quarter increase of 2.6 per cent in Q3 FY2022-23. Public debt accounted for 89.0 per cent of total gross liabilities at end-December 2022 in contrast to 89.1 per cent at end- September 2022.Nearly 28.29 per cent of the outstanding dated securities had a residual maturity of less than 5 years.
The yield on the 10-year benchmark security softened from 7.40% at the close of the quarter on 30th September, 2022 to 7.33% at the close on 30th December, 2022, thus softening by 7 bps during the Quarter. MPC decided to hike the policy repo rate by by 35 bps, i.e., from 5.90% to 6.25% on 7th December, 2022 largely with an intention to contain inflation.
In secondary market, trading activities were concentrated in 7-10 year maturity bucket during the quarter mainly because of more trading observed in 10 year benchmark security. Private Sector Banks emerged as dominant trading segment in secondary market during quarter under review with a share of 24.41 per cent in “Buy” deals and 24.08 per cent in “Sell” deals in the total outright trading activity, followed by foreign banks, primary dealers, public sector banks and mutual fund. On a net basis, foreign banks, public sector banks and primary dealers were net sellers while co-operative banks, FIs, insurance companies, mutual funds, private sector banks and ‘Others’ were net buyers in the secondary market. The ownership pattern of Central Government securities indicates that share of commercial banks stood moderated to 38.0 per cent at end- December 2022, relative to 38.3 per cent at end-September 2022.
Access the full report: Quarterly Report on Public Debt Management for October-December .
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways imparts training to more than 15000 Candidates under Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Under Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana, a skill development programme for youth, Railways impart technical training in various trades to enhance their employability and entrepreneurship
To empower youth by providing them entry level skill training in Railway Training Institutes, “Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana”  has been notified on Indian Railways. Banaras Loco Works, Varanasi has been nominated as the nodal PU for coordinating / organizing the skill development program under RKVY. The training has commenced in September, 2021 on pan- India basis. So far, 23,181 candidates have been enrolled under RKVY and 15,665 candidates have completed their training successfully.
Under this scheme, the training is imparted in fourteen  industry relevant technical trades such as Electrician, Welder, Machinist, Fitter etc. at 94 training locations which are generally spread across more than one State/ Union Territory including remote locations spread over Indian Railways. The candidates from any part of the country can join this training. The training is provided free of cost to the candidates. A dedicated website has been developed for monitoring RKVY. There is no provision of providing employment under this scheme. However, this scheme is a skill development programme for the unemployed youths of India to impart technical training in various trades to enhance their employability and entrepreneurship.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Dignity and Security of Women Workers
Various provisions exist in Labour Acts for securing dignity and security of a woman worker. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 provides for payment of equal remuneration to men and women workers for same work or work of similar nature; The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 provides for minimum wages and The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 ensures timely payment respectively to both male and female workers without any gender discrimination. A number of other protective measures have also been provided in various Labour Laws in order to ensure dignity, security and congenial work environment for a women worker. Such measures include child care centers, time-off for feeding children, enhancement in paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, provisions for mandatory crèche facility in the establishments having 50 or more employees etc.
The Ministry has taken steps for drafting four Labour Codes namely The Code on Wages; The Code on Industrial Relations; The Code on Social Security & Welfare; and The Code on Occupation Safety, Health and Working Conditions by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant provisions of the existing Central Labour Laws without any gender discrimination. The Labour Codes envisage extension of minimum wages and timely payment of wages to all 50 Crore workers, provision of appointment letter, provision for annual medical check-up, extension of safety and other welfare provisions are also stipulated for both male & female workers.
This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar Union Minister of State  for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
121.71 LMTs of wheat has been procured, benefitting 11,59,816 farmersso far
Over 704.35 LMTs of paddy  procured against the last year corresponding purchase of 629.66 LMT
Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 5,74,125.54 MT of Pulses and Oilseeds
Procurement of Wheat has recently commenced in Rabi Marketing Season RMS2021-22 in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Gujarat, at MSP, as was done in previous seasons, and till now  a quantity of 121.71 LMT of Wheat has been procured benefitting 11,59,816 farmers with MSP value of Rs. 24037.56 Crore.
Paddy procurement in the ongoing season Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States with purchase of over 704.35 LMTs of paddy upto18.04.2021against the last year corresponding purchase of 629.66 LMT. About 105.46 Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 1,32,981.20 Crore.
Further,based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 107.08 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds ofKharif Marketing Season 2020-21 & Rabi Marketing Season 2021 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme .The sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 18.04.2021, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 5,74,125.54 MT of Moong, Urad, Tur, Gram, Masoor, Groundnut Pods, Mustard Seedand Soyabean having MSP value of Rs.3,016.53 Crores benefitting 3,65,065 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana and Rajasthan under Kharif 2020-21 & Rabi 2021.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu upto18.04.2021.The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals of Pulses and Oilseeds.
Procurement operations of seed cotton  under MSP are going on smoothly in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka. Till 18.04.2021 a quantity of 91,89,311 cotton bales valuing Rs.26,719.51Crore has been procured benefitting 18,86,498farmers.
Ministry of Home Affairs
NDMA conducts mock exercise in North East on earthquake
A multi-State mock exercise on earthquake was conducted by National Disaster Management Authority  in three North Eastern States of Tripura, Nagaland and Mizoram today for assessing the preparedness and response mechanism of the State Governments in a disaster situation. The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the respective State Disaster Management Authorities .
The exercise simulated the 1897 Shillong earthquake measuring 8.7 on the Richter Scale, which had devastated the entire Shillong plateau and affected the whole of northeast.
The simulation exercise was conducted simultaneously in all districts across the three States at select locations, including hospitals, shopping malls, schools and high-rise residential buildings to assess and improve the administration’s capacity in mobilising resources and reaching out to the affected communities swiftly.
The exercise started with sirens indicating the occurrence of tremors. Everybody ducked under the tables while covering their heads. Once the tremors stopped, evacuation drills were conducted. Soon afterwards, State Emergency Operation Centres  were activated.
Simultaneously, EOCs at the districts also got activated, assessed the damage, formed rescue teams under Incident Commanders and dispatched them to the respective locations. Rescue drills were conducted in coordination with various agencies, such as Traffic control, Fire Fighting department, Ambulances, Police and Civil Defence. People buried under the rubble were rescued and sent to hospitals after administering first aid and triage.
Afterwards, NDMA experts carried out post-exercise analyses, wherein independent observers from the Army shared their feedback and suggested ways to further streamline response mechanisms.
"Mock exercises strengthen the capacity and response mechanisms of all stakeholders. These also help improve coordination among various agencies, which is the key to a successful post-disaster response," said Lt. Gen. N.C. Marwah , Member, NDMA.
Today’s exercise was preceded by orientation-cum-coordination conferences and tabletop exercises in all the participating States to ensure the smooth facilitation of the exercise.
This exercise is significant as the entire North East is located in the seismic zone V. n earthquake can cause major damage in terms of lives and infrastructure. This mock drill will ensure better response in the event of a disaster to reduce loss of lives. It will also generate awareness among the local population who are the first responders in case of any disaster.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Cabinet approves Privatization of Electricity Distribution and Retail Supply Business in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the formation of Company  to privatize the electricity distribution business in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu , sale of Equity Shares of the newly formed Company to highest bidder and formation of Trust for serving employees’ liabilities.
The said privatisation process will fulfill the desired outcomes of better services to over 1.45 lakh consumers of DNH&DD, operational improvements and functional efficiencies in distribution and provide a model for emulation by other utilities across the country. This will further lead to an increase in competition and strengthen the electricity industry and will also lead to recovery of unrealized dues.
In May 2020, Government of India had announced ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, to make India self-reliant through structural reforms. One of the key measures planned was to reform the power distribution and retail supply in UTs through privatization of the power distribution utilities, for leveraging private sector efficiency in electricity distribution.
A single distribution company i.e. DNH-DD Power Distribution Corporation Limited would be incorporated as a wholly owned Government Company and Trust shall be formed to manage the terminal benefits of the personnel transferred to the newly formed company. Transfer of assets, liabilities, personnel etc to the newly formed company will be done as per the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Electricity  Transfer Scheme, 2020.
Ministry of Defence
DRDO Signs MOU with MAHA-METRO for implementation of Advanced Biodigester Mk-II Technology in Metro Rail Network
Defence Research and Development Organisation , Government of India’s premier research agency and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation , a joint venture company of the GoI and Government of Maharashtra are working together to conserve water and protect the environment by installing DRDO's eco-friendly biodigester units  in its facilities. A Memorandum of Understanding  was inked on January 5, 2021 between MAHA-METRO and DRDO through which DRDO will render technical support for the implementation of its advanced biodigester Mk-II technology for the treatment of human waste  in the metro rail network.
Dr AK Singh, Distinguished Scientist & Director General- Life Sciences, DRDO Headquarters, New Delhi, and Dr Brijesh Dixit, Managing Director, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited  exchanged the MoU on behalf of their organisations. The MoU was signed by Dr DK Dubey, Director DRDE, Gwalior and Sh. Atul Gadgil, Director, Maha-Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Pune.
DRDO’s biodigester is an indigenous, green and cost-effective technology, with a rare distinction of having one of the largest numbers of DRDO-licensees .
Indian Railways has already installed about 2.40 lakh biodigesters in its fleet of passenger coaches. Now for MAHA-METRO, the technology has been revamped and further improved in a bid to save the water and space.
A customized version of this MK-II Biodigester, suitable for treating human waste generated from houseboats in Dal Lake was successfully demonstrated by the DRDO to J&K Administration. Lakes and Waterways Development Authority  of the J&K Administration has initiated the process to procure 100 units of Mk-II Biodigesters for civil habitats around the Dal Lake so as to minimize water pollution. The implementation of Biodigester MK-II in Srinagar is being monitored by a committee of experts constituted by the High Court of J&K under the Chairmanship of Dr E Sreedharan, former MD of DMRC. When fully implemented, this green technology will significantly reduce the Dal lake pollution.
This technology is upgraded through improvements in the bio-degradation efficiency, design modification and addition of secondary treatment module. The new reactor is designed to provide more path length with increased biological reaction time, thereby enhancing the bio-degradation efficiency of the system. This technology was primarily developed for the armed forces in high altitude Himalayan regions, including Leh-Ladakh and Siachen glacier.
Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary DDR&D & Chairman DRDO conveyed his wishes to both the teams for a successful implementation and said that technologies require upgradation with the availability of data and feedback.
ABB/Nampi/KA/Rajib
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